Airbus A330neo takes to the skies

Airbus' A330neo has made its maiden departing from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southwestern France last week. The no. 1 A330neo was put through its paces during a four hour and 13 minute airborne evaluation.

Performing the maiden flight was an A330-900. When entering airline service by mid-2018, this aircraft version will become the lowest seat-mile-cost jetliner in the 300-passenger widebody category, continuing the success of Airbus’ A330-300 variant (the best-selling midsize widebody ever).

It will be joined by the smaller A330-800 – the longest-range 250-seater, and the follow-on to today’s A330-200 (which has the largest operator base, composed of nearly 100 carriers). Airworthiness certification of the A330-800 is planned for 2019.

Both A330-800 and A330-900 are powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest Trent 7000 turbofan powerplants, and incorporate high-span wings featuring 3D-optimised aerodynamics, new onboard systems, a connected cockpit, and the “Airspace by Airbus” cabin interior.

Dubai Airports, in partnership with Samsung Electronics and AirportLabs has rolled out an advanced cloud-based Flight Information Display solution along with System on Chip (SoC) display technology at Dubai International (DXB) and

Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) successfully opened the new passenger terminal building at New Muscat International Airport last month, as it overcame a plethora of delays over the last two years.

Etihad Aviation Group has launched a community programme that will deliver 400 meals per day to charity. The initiative will be held throughout 2018 and beyond, with approximately 150,000 meals to be donated every year.